Can DVC Rentals be Last Mintues...

[surfer_ed]

We are tentatively planning an October Florida Vacation. Not doing the parks (OK maybe juts one day) and my question is how quickly can you rent points and put a reservation in place provided there is space?

We won't know if we are going for sure until about 1 month in advance. I could go to SKYauction or something but I would love to test drive DVC since we are saving up now for a purchase in a few years.

Also with Hurricane season, what happens if things get closed down becuase of a storm and you have rented points?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[CharlesTD]

We have booked as little as 2 weeks in advance as long as you aren't to picky on the resort etc you usually don't have any problems.

 

[tjkraz]

We are tentatively planning an October Florida Vacation. Not doing the parks (OK maybe juts one day) and my question is how quickly can you rent points and put a reservation in place provided there is space?

It's not difficult to set-up a rental, but room availability can be a problem. Reportedly the DVC resorts are already near capacity for many parts of October.

You could certainly try it, but no guarantees.

Also with Hurricane season, what happens if things get closed down becuase of a storm and you have rented points?

That's between you and the person from whom you rented. Reportedly DVC was allowing members to cancel reservations on much shorter notice if guests would not be able to reach WDW due to storms. But, those stranded at WDW past their booking dates were still required to pay for any nights added to their reservation. In that case you'd probably have to scramble to find your own cash room.

Realistically, the weather in Florida last year with very much an aberration over the 30-year history of Walt Disney World. Hurricanes do not strike that far inland in Central Florida very often. It could be decades before we see a prepeat performance of the '04 weather.

 

[JimMIA]

We are tentatively planning an October Florida Vacation. Not doing the parks (OK maybe juts one day) and my question is how quickly can you rent points and put a reservation in place provided there is space?

We won't know if we are going for sure until about 1 month in advance. I could go to SKYauction or something but I would love to test drive DVC since we are saving up now for a purchase in a few years.

What you want to do is possible, but unlikely, for several reasons. One is that October is Food and Wine Festival time, and that's a very busy time for DVC. You might get lucky if someone cancels just ahead of 30 days out, but availability is a longshot.

The second reason is that renting points for a reservation 30 days out is sort of the definition of risky business. If something happens and your plans change, the owner is in a real trick bag with the points. They not only have distressed points on their hands, you have also messed up their whole account. So you would be extremely lucky to even find an owner who would rent to you that close to your trip. If you did find one, they would probably want 100% non-refundable payment before making the ressies.

Also with Hurricane season, what happens if things get closed down becuase of a storm and you have rented points?

Chances are, you won't have hurricane problem...last year not withstanding. The best way to protect yourself against that is to buy trip insurance.

You have to buy most trip insurance policies within a short time after paying your first covered expense or deposit, and they might also have limitations on how late in the process they will insure. If you are only booking a month out, be sure the insurance company will cover you before you purchase.

Renting points is a great way to try DVC out, and also a great way to get a wonderful vacation bargain...but at one month? Not likely, IMHO.

 

[tjkraz]

The second reason is that renting points for a reservation 30 days out is sort of the definition of risky business. If something happens and your plans change, the owner is in a real trick bag with the points. They not only have distressed points on their hands, you have also messed up their whole account. So you would be extremely lucky to even find an owner who would rent to you that close to your trip. If you did find one, they would probably want 100% non-refundable payment before making the ressies.

No matter when you rent or who from, I'd be surprised to hear that ANYONE would accept less than 100% payment uner 30 days from check-in.

I don't see this as being a big deal. Assuming a room is available and 100% payment provided prior to booking, there's no reason not to do it from the standpoint of the DVC member.

 

[CharlesTD]

I would be happy to do it but the price wopuld be at a premium and the payment would be required first and be non refundable due to the situation.

 

[surfer_ed]

This is all great info. Thanks.

If we do decide to do this we are pretty flexible on dates in October and where we stay. If possible I am going to try and get confirmation of our trip sooner.

 

[TroyWDW]

I have booked a reservation the same day as arrival. I called Member Services at 10:00 am and we arrived at 5:00 pm that afternoon.

A key point to understand is that DVC Member Services will not be able to see the room inventory of the resorts. They must call the resort directly to verify that there is room availability for such late notice.

FYI, a trip in October is typcially difficult to plan at the last minute. The Food & Wine Festival, Funai Golf Tournament, etc. makes this a very popular time.

Troy

 

[dianeschlicht]

As others have stated, the real problem is with availability in October. That is one of those times when DVC is usually at capacity, and especially certain sized units will be difficult to find.

 

[Bracho]

I booked a 1 bedroom at the BWV 3 weeks before the arrival with no problem at all.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I booked a 1 bedroom at the BWV 3 weeks before the arrival with no problem at all.

In October?

 

[Cinderella]

I got a 1 bed OKW on the day I planned to stay, for four nights, in January